Best Things To Do in Shoreditch, East London
Most first-time visitors to London spend their time west of the City. Westminster, Chelsea, Notting Hill. All wonderful. But if you’ve been to London more than a few times, like me, you reach a point where you want something different. That’s when you go to Shoreditch.
Located northeast of the City in the Borough of Hackney, Shoreditch is one of the most creative and character-filled neighborhoods in the capital. Street art, vintage markets, serious food, and centuries of history all sit side by side. I recently gave it three full days, and it didn’t disappoint.
As a certified travel advisor who visits London every year, here’s everything you need: my top things to do in Shoreditch, the best restaurants, how to get there, and where to stay.
1. Take A Shoreditch Street Art Tour
First up, let’s talk about the street art.
If it’s your first time in Shoreditch, you might wonder why there’s so much graffiti.
It’s a fair question, and one I asked myself too. At first, it can feel a little jarring.
But what you’re looking at isn’t graffiti in the traditional sense. It’s celebrated street art, and Shoreditch is where London’s street art scene was born.
The murals, paste-ups, and installations covering walls, shutters, and alleyways are constantly changing.
Some pieces are commissioned with the permission from the building’s owner, while others appear overnight and exist in a more legally grey area.
Some works are political. Others comment on society, identity, or culture. Some are difficult to interpret, while others are simply beautiful.
Street artists from around the world have left their mark here, including well-known names like Banksy.
The best streets to explore on your own are Brick Lane and Redchurch Street.
I joined this small-group tour last year (with my two daughters, 16 and 20) and it completely changed my perception of the art form.
Led by actual street artists and local experts, this walking tour takes you behind the scenes.
You’ll learn about its history, discover hidden spots, see what’s new. And because the art changes constantly, no two tours are ever the same.
It was genuinely one of the best tours I took during the trip. It felt different from the usual London attractions and offered a side of the city many visitors don’t get to experience.
If you’re travelling with older teens, they’ll find it a fun way to spend an afternoon.
**MY TOP PICK**
This Shoreditch Street Art Walking Tour is the best tour I
took on my whole trip. Don’t skip it.
2. Go Vintage Shopping
I’m not a big shopper. But joining me on this trip were my two daughters and they love to thrift.
And Shoreditch is one of the best places in London to go thrift shopping.
There’s a great mix of high-end vintage, quirky independent stores, and everything in between.
There are a lot of stores, but here are 3 spots I recommend checking out.
Brick Lane Vintage Market
Located beneath the Old Truman Brewery, this vintage market is massive and packed with independent sellers, so give yourself plenty of time to explore.
You’ll find everything from vintage denim and leather jackets to retro homeware and vinyl records.
And if you’re over 50 like me, it’s also pretty amusing to discover which pieces from your younger years are now considered “vintage.”
One of my daughters is obsessed with F1, so she was very happy to find a great selection of vintage F1 jackets. She didn’t buy one and, to this day, still regrets it.
Location: F Block, 85 Brick Lane, London, E1 6QL
Hours: Monday–Friday: 11am–6:30pm | Saturday: 11am–6pm | Sunday: 10am–6pm
Old Spitalfields Market / Spitalfields Market
These two markets sit side by side and together form one large, connected shopping and dining district in East London.
They are technically separate spaces. Old Spitalfields Market is known for its mix of vintage finds and independent stalls, while Spitalfields Market combines traditional market traders with modern designer boutiques and high street brands.
You can easily spend a few hours wandering between them.
On my visit, my daughter picked up a vintage watch at Old Spitalfields Market. But there’s far more here than vintage shopping.
Housed inside one of London’s finest surviving Victorian market halls, you’ll find over 50 stalls selling everything from rare vinyl and handmade jewellery to fashion, art, and antiques.
If you enjoy browsing for unique pieces, it’s worth visiting on a Thursday when the antiques market takes place.
The food scene across the entire area is just as impressive, with dozens of vendors to choose from.
I went for dumplings from Dumpling Shack while my daughters opted for NYC-style cheeseburgers and Angry Fries from Bleecker Burger.
Location: 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW
Hours: Mon, Tues, Weds, Fri: 10am–6pm | Thurs: 8am–6pm | Sat: 10am–6pm | Sun: 10am–5pm
Here After Vintage
This is where it really hit me that Y2K is now considered vintage… ugh.
Once you get over that small existential crisis, this place has a really fun retro vibe, specialising in 60s and 70s pieces. Think psychedelic prints, flares, bold patterns, and big collars.
Location: 151 Brick Lane, E1 6SB, London
Hours: Check online before visiting
3. Columbia Road Flower Market: A Sunday Must-See
If you can plan your visit to Shoreditch around a Sunday, Columbia Road Flower Market is absolutely worth building your trip around.
It’s one of London’s longest-running markets and one of the most beautiful.
On Sundays, the entire street transforms into a riot of colour, with traders who are full of character.
The surrounding area is also packed with independent shops, galleries, and cafés, so it’s easy to spend a few hours exploring beyond the market itself.
My top tip is to get there early. The market runs from 8am to 3pm every Sunday, and it gets very busy as the day goes on.
4. Dive into the History of Shoreditch
I recommend not skipping a visit to the Boundary Estate.
Built in the 1890s by the London County Council, it was one of the earliest social housing developments in England.
It was created as part of an effort to improve living conditions in what was once one of the most overcrowded and poorest slums in Victorian London.
At the centre of the estate is Arnold Circus, a raised circular garden originally designed as a communal green space for residents.
It’s a peaceful spot that feels completely removed from the noise of nearby Shoreditch High Street.
What stood out most to me was the architecture.
The red brick buildings and thoughtful layout give the estate a very different feel from the rest of the area, and it’s fascinating to see how intentional the design was for its time.
It’s well worth a short detour while you’re exploring Shoreditch on foot.
5. Shoreditch, A Foodie Paradise
Once you’ve worked up an appetite exploring, Shoreditch won’t let you down on that front either.
No visit to Shoreditch is complete without talking about food.
When it comes to the best restaurants in Shoreditch, London has few neighborhoods that can compete.
The dining scene here has been shaped over decades by the immigrant communities that have made it home.
Here are my top Shoreditch restaurant recommendations:
Dishoom Shoreditch
This is one of London’s most loved restaurants (and mine too). This Bombay-inspired café serves Indian comfort food done brilliantly. Order the chicken Ruby Murray. Book ahead, it fills up fast.
📍 7 Boundary Street, London E2 7JE
Smoking Goat
Another Shoreditch High Street favourite serving Thai barbecue cooked over a charcoal grill. I loved it here. The Fish Sauce Chilli Wings are outstanding, the BBQ Pork Skewers are great, and the Som Tam Daikon with Cashew and Todoli Citrus was one of the best things I ate all trip. Well spiced, sometimes spicy, and full of flavour. Book ahead.
📍 64 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6JJ
Legado
My most exciting recommendation on this list. I haven’t eaten here yet, but it’s already booked for my next trip. Chef Nieves Barragán Mohacho, the Michelin-starred chef behind Mayfair’s Sabor, opened this contemporary Spanish restaurant in Shoreditch in late 2025. The menu celebrates regional Spanish cooking you won’t find anywhere else in London. Book well in advance.
📍 1C Montacute Yards, 185-186 Shoreditch High Street, London E1 6HU
Boxpark Shoreditch
Worth knowing about if you’d rather graze than commit to a sit-down meal. This shipping container street food hub on Bethnal Green Road has dozens of vendors under one roof, from Vietnamese banh mi to loaded fries. It’s casual, affordable, and great for a quick lunch between exploring.
📍 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY
For more recommendations, head to my full guide: Where To Eat in Shoreditch, London
6. Hidden Gems in Shoreditch, London
As well as Arnold Circus in the Boundary Estate, there are some other really interesting spots in Shoreditch to check out.
Museum of the Home
This is one of the most quirky and interesting museums in London.
The building itself is beautiful. It’s set within a row of 18th-century almshouses, which were originally charitable homes designed for people with limited financial means, arranged around a peaceful garden.
Inside, the museum explores the history of British domestic interiors from 1600 to the present day, with recreated living spaces from different eras.
I found it fascinating to see how everyday home life has changed over time.
It’s about a 10-15 minute walk north of Shoreditch.
Entry is free and no booking is required. Allow around an hour for your visit, and guided tours are available if you want more in-depth context.
Location: 136 Kingsland Road, London E2 8EA
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm
Dennis Severs’ House
This one is definitely unusual, but absolutely worth checking out.
There’s also an interesting American connection here, which is why I often recommend it to my American travel planning clients who are curious about cultural links between the UK and the States.
Dennis Severs was an American artist who, in the 1970s, transformed a Georgian terraced house in Spitalfields into a piece of living theatre.
Yes, it’s a little strange, but also completely captivating.
He created the illusion of a family of Huguenot silk weavers living in the house across the 18th and 19th centuries, filling each room with carefully staged objects and details from the period.
The result is atmospheric, immersive, and unlike anything else you’ll experience in London.
You can explore the house in several ways, including self-guided visits, silent experiences, and more structured guided tours. There are also occasional performances that bring the story to life in different ways.
Location: 18 Folgate St, London E1 6BX
Hours: Check website for opening hours, tickets, tours and performances
Hoxton Square
The last Shoreditch hidden gem worth checking out is Hoxton Square, a lovely green space on the west side of Shoreditch High Street.
It’s one of London’s oldest squares, dating back to the 1600s, and a welcome breather from the energy of the high street. Look out for the Holding Hands sculpture at the southern end.
It’s a great spot to take a break while you’re exploring the area, and well worth a short detour as you make your way around Shoreditch.
Where To Stay in Shoreditch
Looking for the best places to stay in Shoreditch? I’ve put together a separate guide covering the best hotels in the area, including my personal favorites and insider tips for each one.
As a travel advisor, I’ve stayed in or visited all of my recommendations personally, so I can help you find the right fit whatever your budget.
Once you’ve sorted where to stay, getting to Shoreditch is the easy part.
How To Get To Shoreditch By Tube
Getting to Shoreditch is straightforward from most parts of London. Here are your main options:
Shoreditch High Street Station (Overground)
The most convenient Shoreditch tube station for most visitors is Shoreditch High Street on the Overground. It puts you right in the heart of the neighborhood.
From here Brick Lane, Redchurch Street and most of Shoreditch’s attractions are just a short walk away.
Liverpool Street Station (Tube and National Rail)
Liverpool Street is served by the Central, Circle, Hammersmith and Metropolitan lines, plus National Rail services.
It’s only about a 10-15 minute walk to Shoreditch from here but if you’re traveling with luggage, you might want to jump in a cab to take you the short distance (my family can relate to this as I forced them to drag their bags last year!)
If you’re coming from Heathrow, the Elizabeth Line stops here.
Old Street Station (Northern Line)
Old Street sits at the northern edge of Shoreditch. It’s a short walk south into the neighborhood from here.
Bethnal Green (Central Line)
If you plan on visiting the Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday (and my advice is that you should), Bethnal Green on the Central Line is a good option.
Insider Tip:
- Download the Transport for London app – TfL Go
- Use Contactless Tap to Pay on both the Tube and Overground. Make sure to tap in and out using the same card.
Download my full transport guide to getting around London like a local.
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Shoreditch
I went to Shoreditch expecting a cool neighborhood and came back having eaten some of the best food of my trip, finally understanding what street art is actually about, and with a list of places I still want to go back for.
If you’ve been to London before and want to see a side of the city most visitors miss, this is where to go. Give it at least two full days. You won’t regret it.
FAQs
Yes, absolutely. Shoreditch is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in London, especially if you’ve done the main sights and want something with more local character. I gave it three full days and it’s already on my list for next year.
Visit for the day or stay a few days. One day for the street art, vintage shopping, and a proper lunch. A second day for the hidden gems, a longer dinner, and some wandering with no agenda. If you can plan one of your days around a Sunday, build it around Columbia Road Flower Market and work outward from there.
Shoreditch is a busy, well-visited neighborhood and is safe for tourists. But like any city, stay aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure. It gets lively at night, especially on the weekends, but I didn’t feel concerned on my visit.
Shoreditch is known for its street art scene, which is among the best in Europe. It’s also known for its food, its vintage markets, and its creative energy. Historically it was a hub for textile manufacturing and one of London’s first theatrical districts. Today it sits at the intersection of all of that history and a genuinely exciting modern culture.
Yes, particularly for families with older kids and teenagers. The street art walking tour is a great option for teens, the vintage markets are endlessly browsable, and the food scene has something for every taste. I took my daughters, aged 16 and 20, and they loved it. For younger children it’s still manageable but the neighborhood is busy and best explored on foot, so bear that in mind.
Not at all. Shoreditch High Street station on the London Overground puts you right in the heart of the neighborhood, and Liverpool Street station is only a 10 to 15 minute walk away. If you’re coming from central London, you can be in Shoreditch in under 30 minutes from most major stations.
Shoreditch is worth visiting year round, but Sunday morning is the best time of the week to go if you can manage it. Columbia Road Flower Market runs from 8am to 3pm every Sunday and is one of the most atmospheric experiences in East London. Get there early before the crowds build. For rooftop bars and outdoor dining, late spring through early autumn is ideal.
